Game apparatus for propelling a projectile with a fluid spray

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides game apparatus for playing a game using a pressurized fluid supply from a fluid source. The apparatus includes a playing surface attached to a frame, a projectile adapted to move on the playing surface, and a fluid delivery system including a fluid delivery device and a fluid conduit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Games in which a player can manipulate a projectile by directing a stream of water towards the projectile are known. However, most of these games involve heavy, cumbersome equipment that make the games difficult, if not impossible, to transport easily. These games often are constructed with a water-delivery system integrated into the playing surface, thus requiring complex piping and water circulation apparatus. In addition, these games may require the player to refill the water-delivery system. There is a need for a lightweight, easily transportable game apparatus that enables a player to direct a stream of water or other fluid towards a projectile.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention provides game apparatus for playing a game using a fluid supply from an external fluid source. The apparatus includes a playing surface attached to a frame, a projectile adapted to move on the playing surface, and a fluid delivery system including a fluid delivery device and a fluid conduit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0003]FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of one embodiment of the game apparatus of the present invention showing a playing arena with a fluid delivery system.

[0004]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the playing arena shown in FIG. 1 depicting its manner of assembly.

[0005]FIG. 3 is a pictorial view of the fluid delivery system shown in FIG. 1.

[0006]FIG. 4 is a cross-section of a fluid delivery device shown in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] The present invention provides game apparatus for playing a game in which players move a projectile across a playing surface by directing a pressurized spray of fluid towards the projectile. As shown in FIG. 1, game apparatus 10 includes a playing arena 12, a projectile 14, and a fluid delivery system 16.

[0008] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, playing arena 12 includes a floor 22 and walls 24. Playing arena 12 may be designed to provide a scoring area, such as goal 26, appropriate for the type of game to be played. For some games, it may be appropriate for the playing apparatus to include two or more goals. The playing surface may further include various markings, pictures, drawings, or words that are appropriate for the game to be played. As shown, the playing arena may be constructed by attaching a playing surface 18 to a frame 20.

[0009] Typically, playing surface 18 is constructed from a flexible, stretchable, thin fabric of material. Any suitable type including, for example, plastic sheeting or nylon, cotton or canvas cloth. The playing surface may be porous to enable water or other fluids to drain through the playing surface. Alternatively, the playing surface may be impermeable to fluids and include a drainage system (not shown) that allows fluid collected within the playing arena to escape. This drainage system may include, for example, one or more channels or holes in the playing surface.

[0010] As stated above, playing surface 18 is coupled to a frame 20. Frame 20 may serve to spread and/or support the playing surface. For example, the frame may keep the playing surface taut in order to provide a smooth or flat floor. Playing surface 18 may extend up and attach to frame 20 in order to form containment walls 24. In this case, frame 20 may include an attachment mechanism 27. The manner of attachment may be either permanent or temporary. The attachment mechanism may be, for example, a hook 28 extending from frame 20 adapted to fit through an eye 30 in playing surface 18. Other suitable methods of attaching playing surface 18 to frame 20 may be used including, for example, staples, Velcro, ties, an adhesive such as glue, etc.

[0011] As described above, frame 20 serves to spread and/or support playing surface 18. Frame 20 may be made of any suitable material such as plastic, metal, wood or the like. Typically, frame 20 provides a rigid structure to which playing surface 18 may be attached. Frame 20 may be configured such that the playing surface can be easily transported and stored. To this end, frame 20 may be made of an air-impermeable fabric such that the frame may be inflated to provide structural support for playing surface 18 and deflated for transportation and/or storage.

[0012] Alternatively, frame 20 may be constructed from several components that can be readily assembled and disassembled. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the components may include several tubular segments, or elongate rods 32, which can be joined to each other quickly and easily. In addition, some of the components may take the form of preformed units, such as end walls 34. The preformed end units and rods may include mating surfaces configured to mate directly with each other, or may make use of an adaptor 36.

[0013] Frame 20 may further include arching segment 38, which spans the playing surface 18. Arching segment 38 may be included for aesthetic reasons, or may provide additional support to frame 20. Like end walls 34, arching segment 38 may couple directly to rods 32 or may make use of an adaptor 36. Arching segment 38 may further include at least one surface 40, configured to receive and retain a projectile 14.

[0014] Furthermore, arching segment 38 may include a scorekeeping device 42. The scorekeeping device may be of any suitable design. The scorekeeping device may take the form of a series of numbers 44 arrayed across the surface of the arching segment. A scoring indicator 46 may slidable engage the arching segment such that the scoring indicator may be moved by the player to the proper position such that the player's score is displayed through a window 48 within the scoring indicator 46.

[0015] Frame 20 may include additional components and component configurations. These components may provide added support, additional shaping to playing arena 12, or additional game elements. For example, it may be desirable to construct a playing arena including obstacles, targets, moving elements, or other features. All of these may be provided by adaptation of the basic frame structure.

[0016] As stated above, game apparatus 10 includes at least one projectile 14, as shown in FIG. 1. Projectile 14 may be of any suitable shape or size. Often, the shape and size of projectile 14 is determined by the game for which the playing apparatus is designed, as discussed later in this application. Projectile 14 may be made of any suitable material including, for example, plastic or foam. As will be appreciated, more than one projectile may be used in any given game. If more than one projectile is used, the projectiles may be of the same or different shape, size, color, or material.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 3, as stated above, game apparatus 10 further includes a fluid delivery system 16. The fluid delivery system includes one or more fluid delivery device(s) 52 and one or more fluid delivery conduit(s) 54. Each fluid delivery device is adapted to enable the player to direct a fluid stream 56 towards a desired target (such as projectile 14). Conduit 54 may be made of any suitable material including plastic or rubber tubing. Each fluid delivery conduit 54 fluidly connects the fluid delivery device to an external fluid supply 62, typically, via a connector 60.

[0018] The external fluid supply may be any device capable of supplying a sufficient amount of fluid to the fluid delivery conduit. The supply may be continuous or may require periodic refilling by the player. In some embodiments, the external fluid supply may provide fluid under pressurized conditions. For example, the external fluid supply may be a standard garden hose connected to a fluid source such as an outdoor faucet.

[0019] Connector 60 may include a threaded adaptor 64 configured to releasably couple with the nozzle of a garden hose. Connector 60 may include a pressure release assembly 66. The various hoses and conduits that are attached to connector 60 may be secured by any suitable means including by the use of plastic ties 68, as shown. As will be appreciated, watertight seals between the connector components may be obtained through any suitable means, including the use of rubber washers between the various hoses and adaptors.

[0020] Depending on the game to be played with game apparatus 10, it may be desirable for the fluid delivery system to include more than one fluid delivery device 52. Furthermore, in some embodiments, it may be desirable for at least two of the fluid delivery devices to be coupled to each other and/or to receive fluid from the same fluid source. In this case, connector 60 may partition fluid from the external water source to the two or more fluid delivery devices. In this embodiment, connector 60 may take the form of a T or Y-connector. The game apparatus 10 may include, one, two, or more fluid delivery devices provided independently or joined together in the manner described above.

[0021] In FIG. 3, fluid delivery system 16 includes two fluid delivery devices. Extending from the branches of the T connector are two hoses 54. A first hose delivers water from the T-connector to a first fluid delivery device and a second hose delivers water from the T-connector to a second fluid delivery device. Typically, the first and second fluid delivery devices are identical in internal construction and performance but may differ in color or appearance.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, each fluid delivery device 52 may take the appearance of a trigger-operated water pistol. In this embodiment, the pistol and trigger can be held and operated easily by one hand. In the depicted embodiment, fluid delivery device 52 includes a left casing 70 and a right casing 72. The left and right casings are joined to create the external structure of the fluid delivery device. The casing may be joined by any suitable means including use of an adhesive, screws, interlocking pieces, etc. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, right casing 72 includes a series of holes 74, which are adapted to receive screws 76. The ends of screws 76 are then received and retained by a series of corresponding internally threaded bosses 78, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0023]FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of a fluid delivery device 52 according to the present invention. In FIG. 4, the right casing 72 has been removed to expose the internal structure of left casing 70. As shown, the left casing 70 includes an internal surface 80, which includes the series of internally threaded bosses 78. Internal surface 80 further includes post 82 and additional internal support structures 84. Right casing 72 (not shown in FIG. 4) includes corresponding internal support structures. Most of the support structures serve to create a channel through which hose 54 runs from the base 85 of fluid delivery device to nozzle 90, and other support structures provides stops for moving parts.

[0024] Typically, the fluid delivery device 52 includes a mechanism adapted to control delivery of the fluid stream. As shown in FIG. 4, housed within the casings are trigger 86, piston 88, nozzle 90, spring 92, and brace 94 which, in combination, allow the user to control delivery of fluid stream 56 in the manner described below. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the internal mechanisms within the fluid delivery device act as an on/off switch for fluid stream 56.

[0025] Generally, the players couple the T-connector to a garden hose that is connected to a water faucet. When the faucet is turned on, water flows through the garden hose to the T-connector, which delivers water to hoses 54. In each hose, the water flows in the direction indicated by arrows 96 into the fluid delivery device where it is delivered to nozzle 90. Normally, the force of spring 92 pushes piston 88 towards the distal end 98 of nozzle 90. Under the force of spring 92, a plug 100 at the distal end of piston 88 forms a seal with end 98 of nozzle 90 and thereby prevents water from being released out of the fluid delivery device. When the player squeezes trigger 86, which is pivotally attached to post 82, in the direction indicated by arrow 102, brace 94 pulls piston 88 in the direction indicated by arrows 104 against the strength of spring 92. This pulls plug 100 away from end 98, breaking the seal and allowing the water in the hose to exit nozzle 90 and spray out of the fluid delivery device.

[0026] The fluid delivery system may be integrated within playing arena 12 such that the fluid delivery system is maintained as an integral part of frame 20. Alternatively, fluid delivery system 16 may be external to the frame and thus an independent device that is partially or completely separate from frame 20. For instance, fluid delivery conduit 54 may be completely disconnected and uncoupled from frame 20. The fluid delivery device 52 may be connected to playing arena 12 via tether 106, as shown in FIG. 1, to prevent the fluid delivery devices from becoming lost or to limit the range of movement of the fluid delivery devices. Tether 106 may be made of any suitable material and may be permanently or removably attached to the fluid delivery devices and/or frame 20.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, neither the fluid delivery conduit nor the fluid delivery devices are connected to frame 20. In this case, both the fluid delivery device and the fluid delivery conduit are uncoupled from frame 20, and the fluid delivery devices are freely movable independent of the playing arena 12. In this embodiment, only the connection of the fluid delivery system to the external fluid supply limits the range of motion of the fluid delivery devices.

[0028] When the game apparatus is not in use, the playing arena can be disassembled readily by removing the playing surface from the frame and deflating or disconnecting the various pieces of the frame. Likewise, the fluid delivery system may be uncoupled from the external fluid source. Thus, the game apparatus is relatively compact and can be transported and stored easily.

[0029] Playing apparatus 10 may be adapted for use for a variety of different styles of play. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, playing apparatus 10 is designed for use for a two-player hockey style game. In this embodiment, the projectile to be directed by the water spray may take the form of a puck and the end walls 34 may include goal structures. The puck may be of a traditional circular (or cylindrical) shape, or may take an alternate shape, such as a star, square, triangle or the like. These alternate shapes may enable the puck to move in different manners, such as by spinning or tumbling across the playing surface.

[0030] In one manner of play, the puck is initially placed on surface, or tray, 40 atop arching segment 38. The two players then attempt to direct the puck, using the force of stream 56 water directed from their water pistols, into the opponent's goal while trying to keep the puck out of their own goal. Alternatively, two pucks differing in shape, size, or another differentiable characteristic may be used. Each player then designates one of the pucks as his or her own puck. The players then use their water pistols to try to direct their puck into their opponent's goal while trying to defend their own goal. As a further alternative, two or more pucks may be used and the players may try to score with any or all of the pucks. When a player scores a goal, each player moves his or her scoring indicator 46 so that the number of goals scored is displayed in window 48. The game ends when one of the players reaches a designated number of goals.

[0031] In addition to hockey, the game apparatus of the present invention may be designed for use for other games by modifying the shape of the playing surface, frame, and/or projectile, if necessary. As non-limiting examples, a spherical or football-shaped projectile may be used to create a game apparatus suitable for soccer, basketball, or football. Alternatively, substitution of different projectiles, elimination of the goal zones, and new markings on the playing surface may be used to create a game apparatus suitable for baseball, bowling, or racing games involving cars, motorcycles, horses, etc.

[0032] As will be appreciated, additional design modifications may be made, as desired. For example, the games may be designed for one, two, three, four, or more players. As described above, the playing surface and corresponding frame may be modified to provide a game apparatus having round, square, rectangular, oval, or other shape.

[0033] As will be understood, the game apparatus of the present invention is suitable for any method of play in which at least one player directs a stream of fluid from a fluid delivery device towards a projectile in order to move the projectile across a playing surface. In addition, the playing surface, fluid delivery device and projectile are each suitable for use as independent components of other games. For example, the playing surface is suitable for use with traditional water guns. Similarly, the fluid delivery device of the present invention is suitable for use with other playing surfaces or targets. Furthermore, while much of this invention has been described using water as the fluid, it should be understood that the invention contemplates that other fluids including air may be used with the game apparatus of the present invention.

[0034] It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed herein. Similarly, where the claims recite “a” or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof, such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

[0035] It is believed that the following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations that are directed to one of the disclosed inventions and are novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to a different invention or directed to the same invention, whether different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of the inventions of the present disclosure. 

What is claimed as the invention is:
 1. A game apparatus comprising: a fabric playing surface spread by a frame including a plurality of elongate rods; a projectile; and a device for directing a fluid stream towards the projectile to propel the projectile across the playing surface.
 2. The game apparatus of claim 1 wherein the playing surface further comprises a containment wall supported by the frame.
 3. The game apparatus of claim 2 wherein the frame is made of plastic.
 4. The game apparatus of claim 3 wherein the frame is made of a plurality of individual segments adapted to be readily assembled and disassembled.
 5. The game apparatus of claim 2 wherein the frame includes an arching segment spanning the playing surface.
 6. The game apparatus of claim 5 wherein the arching segment includes a scoring indicator.
 7. The game apparatus of claim 5 wherein the arching segment is adapted to receive the projectile.
 8. The game apparatus of claim 1 wherein the projectile is a star-shaped puck.
 9. The game apparatus of claim 1 wherein the projectile is a cylindrical puck.
 10. An apparatus for playing a game using a pressurized fluid supply from a fluid source, the apparatus comprising: a playing surface attached to a frame; a projectile adapted to move on the playing surface; and a fluid delivery system comprising: a fluid delivery device adapted to direct a fluid stream toward the projectile with sufficient force to move the projectile on the playing surface; and a fluid delivery conduit adapted to receive the pressurized fluid supply and delivery the pressurized fluid supply to the fluid delivery device, the fluid delivery conduit being external to the frame.
 11. The game apparatus of claim 10 wherein the fluid delivery conduit is uncoupled from the frame.
 12. The game apparatus of claim 10 wherein the fluid source is a hose connected to a faucet and the fluid delivery conduit is configured to couple to the hose.
 13. The game apparatus of claim 10 wherein the fluid delivery system includes at least two fluid delivery devices.
 14. The game apparatus of claim 13 wherein the at least two fluid delivery devices are coupled to each other.
 15. The game apparatus of claim 14 wherein the at least two fluid delivery devices receive the pressurized fluid supply from the same fluid source.
 16. The game apparatus of claim 15 wherein the fluid source is received by a connector adapted to receive the pressurized fluid supply and partition the stream to the at least two fluid delivery devices.
 17. A game apparatus adapted to receive a pressurized fluid supply from a fluid source, the apparatus comprising: a playing surface; a projectile adapted to move on the playing surface; and a fluid delivery system comprising: a fluid delivery device adapted to direct a fluid stream toward the projectile with sufficient force to propel the projectile across the playing surface, the fluid delivery device being freely movable independent of the playing surface; and a fluid delivery conduit adapted to receive the pressurized fluid supply and delivery the pressurized fluid supply to the fluid delivery device.
 18. The game apparatus of claim 17 wherein the fluid delivery device includes a mechanism adapted to control delivery of the fluid stream.
 19. The game apparatus of claim 18 wherein the mechanism adapted to control delivery of the fluid stream is a trigger.
 20. The game apparatus of claim 19 wherein the fluid delivery device and trigger are adapted to be held and operated by one hand.
 21. A game apparatus adapted to receive a pressurized fluid supply from a fluid source, the apparatus comprising: a fabric playing surface surrounded by a containment wall, the playing surface and containment wall being supported by a frame; a projectile; and a fluid delivery system comprising: a fluid delivery device adapted to direct a fluid stream toward the projectile with sufficient force to move the projectile on the playing surface, the fluid delivery device being freely movable independent of the playing surface; and a fluid delivery conduit adapted to receive the pressurized fluid supply and delivery the pressurized supply of fluid to the fluid delivery device, the fluid delivery conduit being external to the frame. 